Why You Should Check Your Skin in Colder Months

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment and give your skin its colour.

While that statistic is well known, what is often less understood is how skin cancer develops.

It’s not just about a single bad sunburn. Instead, it is usually the result of cumulative UV damage, meaning damage that builds up over time through repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Yes, it does.

Even during autumn and winter in New Zealand:

• UV radiation is still present on most days  

• Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through cloud cover  

• Outdoor activities still contribute to long-term exposure  

While UV levels are generally lower than in summer, they are not zero, and the effects of past exposure continue to develop beneath the surface of your skin.

It’s easy to associate UV exposure with hot, sunny days at the beach. But in reality, much of our exposure happens during everyday activities.

This can include:

• Walking to and from work or school  

• Sitting near windows at home or in the office  

• Spending time outdoors on cooler but bright days  

• Weekend activities like gardening or sport  

Even short, regular periods of exposure can contribute to cumulative damage over time.

One of the most important concepts in skin health is cumulative damage.

Each time your skin is exposed to UV radiation, it can cause small changes to the DNA in your skin cells. DNA is essentially the body’s instruction manual, and when it becomes damaged, cells can begin to behave abnormally.

Over time, these changes can build up and increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

This is why skin cancer can appear:

• Months or years after sun exposure  

• In areas you may not expect  

• Even if you are now more careful in the sun  

From both a clinical and practical perspective, autumn and winter are an ideal time to prioritise a skin check.

Your skin returns to its natural tone

During summer, tanning can make it harder to notice subtle differences in moles or pigmentation. As your skin returns closer to its natural tone, changes can become easier to detect.

A natural post-summer checkpoint

After months of higher UV exposure, this time of year provides an opportunity to review your skin and identify any new or evolving spots.

Time to act early

If something unusual is identified, the colder months allow time for monitoring, further assessment, or treatment before the next high-UV season begins.

You don’t need to be an expert to notice when something isn’t quite right.

A commonly used guide is the ABCDE rule:

• A – Asymmetry  

• B – Border irregularity  

• C – Colour variation  

• D – Diameter larger than 6mm  

• E – Evolving over time  

Another simple rule we often share with patients is:
If something looks new, changing, or different from the rest, it’s worth getting checked.

Some changes are subtle and easy to overlook, especially if they don’t cause discomfort.

These can include:

• A mole becoming slightly darker or lighter  

• A spot that looks a little different from others  

• A small area that becomes dry, flaky, or scaly  

• A mark that seems to come and go  

Because these changes can feel minor, they are often ignored. But noticing small differences early is an important part of looking after your skin.

We’re seeing more people move towards a proactive approach to their skin.

This means:

• Getting to know your skin  

• Having regular checks  

• Acting early, even if you’re unsure  

This time of year is a natural opportunity to reset and stay on top of your skin health before summer returns.

Looking after your skin is not about becoming overly cautious. It’s about becoming familiar with what is normal for you.

Over time, this awareness helps you:

• Recognise when something has changed  

• Feel more confident about when to seek advice  

• Take a more informed and proactive approach to your health  

This is something we encourage all patients to build gradually, rather than feeling like they need to know everything at once.

You don’t need a specific concern to book a check.

It may be time to book if:

• It has been a while since your last skin check  

• You’ve noticed something new or changing  

• You want reassurance  

Booking a professional skin check with MoleMap is a simple step that helps you stay proactive all year round.

Winter is also an ideal time for treating sun damage. In addition to skin checks, the cooler months are often the preferred time for treating areas of sun damage such as actinic keratoses. Some treatments work best when sun exposure can be minimised, making autumn and winter a practical time to proceed if treatment is recommended by your clinician.

If sun damage is identified during a skin check, your clinician can talk with you about whether treatment is appropriate, and when the timing would be best for you.

Do I need a skin check in autumn or winter?

Yes. Skin cancer develops over time, and this period is ideal for checking your skin after summer.

Many people benefit from yearly checks, but this depends on your individual risk.

What if I’m unsure about a spot?

If something looks new or different, it’s always worth getting it checked.

Is skin cancer always obvious?

No. Some skin cancers are subtle, which is why professional checks are important.